Skeptical.:
While promoted by various alternative medicine sites and "holistic" healers, adrenal fatigue isn't an accepted medical diagnosis. Keep a skeptical eye towards anything that sounds too good to be true - including supplements (especially if marketed by the doc). Supplements are largely unregulated - their purity and safety aren't tested. Most are useless. Common sense diet and exercise is best.
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Adrenal fatigue is not a recognized diagnosis in science based medicine. Although inconsistent with our understanding of adrenal physiology, the theory is that the adrenal glands "wear out" after a prolonged stress leading to fatigue. There is no evidence or reason to believe this occurs. When the adrenals are damaged or fail in conditions such as addison's disease -- fatigue is a symptom.
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2

worthless test:
Even in complete adrenal failure (addisions disease) I am unaware of this sign. I would place no reliability on this sign.
"adrenal fatigue" is a fake diagnosis, and this is a fake sign that tries to trick you into thinking you have something. Elsewhere on healthtap, there are many answers to the question of adrenal fatigue by many doctors.
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4

Cosyntropin Test:
Adrenal insufficiency can be primary or secondary- depending if the dysfunction is at the pituitary(primary)level or adrenal( secondary) level. A baseline morning cortisol level is drawn first- then 0.25 mg im/iv of Cosyntropin is given- then the cortisol level is rechecked at 30 and 60 minutes- so 3 blood draws are needed. If the cortisol level fails to rise above 18-20 mcg/sl- you have ai.
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5

It depends:
To address this question, you would want to see an integrative medicine or naturopathic physician -- making sure your condition is not full adrenal insufficiency, for instance. They would do a workup of you and your labs, to determine the best ways to help you. Some people may respond well to herbal supports for the adrenals. Others may need additional treatments.
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7

What test?:
Are you asking whether the ACTH challenge is needed after it has been done? This is best discussed with your endocrinologist who can explain to you the rationale behind his request.
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10

It depends:
This is serious business. The real question is, "Do you have Addison's disease?" A spot serum cortisol is often normal even in Addison's, making the diagnosis tricky. There are decision levels for the easy screens that your physician is aware of, but if there's any doubt, you'll probably get an ACTH stimulation test. Avoid "pop"/"fad" diagnoses like "HPA axis fatigue". Best wishes.
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The clear, viscous fluid secreted by the salivary and mucous glands in the mouth. Saliva contains water, mucin, organic salts, and the digestive enzyme ptyalin. It serves to moisten the oral cavity, to initiate the digestion of starches, and to aid in the chewing and swallowing of food. Approximately 1 to 1.5 l is produced per day.
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